Rivers in Ancient India (study)
by Archana Sarma | 2019 | 49,356 words
This page relates ‘The river Sarayu and its present status’ of the study on the rivers in ancient India as reflected in the Vedic and Puranic texts. These pages dicsusses the elements of nature and the importance of rivers (Nadi) in Vedic and Puranic society. Distinctive traits of rivers are investigated from descriptions found in the Vedas (Samhitas), Brahmanas, Aranyakas, Upanishads and Puranas. The research is concluded by showing changing trends of rivers from ancient to modern times.
12. The river Sarayu and its present status
This river is found in some mantra of the Ṛgvedasaṃhitā.[1] Sarayu is a very famous river in the Purāṇas. Seven tributaries of Gaṅgā originate from the golden peaks of the Himalayas and Sarayu is one of them. In the Purāṇa, it is said that those who bathe in the river will be absolved from all sins.[2] In modern times, the river Sarayu is known as Ghargharā.
Footnotes and references:
[2]:
atha tairabhyanujñātah kouśikīmītya brāhmanaiḥ | snātvā sarovaramagādyataḥ sarayurāsravat || Bhāgavata Purāṇa.,10.79.9-10